When it comes to tarmac devouring mammoth SUVs, two manufacturers reign supreme. BMW and Mercedes-Benz. There are a few other models on the periphery but these two are top of the pile when it comes to laying down huge numbers into an SUV and still getting it to turn a corner. As far as this drag race goes, the numbers are nearly identical everywhere you look.

Power and torque are slightly in the favour of the Mercedes-AMG with its 5.5-Litre biturbo V8 pushing out 430 kW and 760 Nm. The BMW is hardly an underdog though with its 4.4-Litre twin-turbo V8 capable of 423 kW and 750 Nm. Zero to 100kph is exactly the same at a claimed 4.2 seconds and both have to be electronically restrained at 250kph. The BMW has a slightly faster shifting gearbox but the margins in every department are minimal. The prices, while bordering or extortion are similar too. The BMW will set you back R1 757 659 and the Merc a little more at R1 876 111.
Both machines are coupe SUVS, a segment that BMW created with its first generation BMW X6. Mercedes-Benz is joining the fray with its version of a coupe SUV in hopes of stealing sales from its long-time rival.

As we sat on the start line, we expected this to be a close race. The two giants sat with their exhaust pipes banging away, louder than anything we have drag raced before. It really was a shouting match between two loud-mouthed heavyweight boxers going at each other pre fight.

Take a look at the video below to see who wins this mighty drag race, a title we don’t see being lifted from its shoulders any time soon.

0:00 Intro
0:17 Pricing and Torque Comparison
1:00 Drag race countdown
1:30 Closing